どぶ
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Refers to a dirty, often smelly drainage ditch or gutter, typically found along roads or in urban areas. Carries a negative, unpleasant connotation.
I fell into the ditch by the roadside.
The smell from the drains is terrible around here.
2
gap between cutting guides
usually written using kana alone
Only with reading ドブ
Specialized term used in printing or paper cutting; refers to the gap between cutting guides. Usually written in katakana as ドブ.
In the printing process, adjust the width of the gap between cutting guides.
Usage patterns
- どぶに落ちるto fall into a ditch/gutter
I slipped on the dark road and fell into the ditch.
- どぶの臭いがするto smell like a foul drainage ditch
This area smells terrible, like a ditch.
- どぶにはまるto get stuck in a ditch
The bike's front wheel got stuck in the ditch and I couldn't move.